BLIA Members Supporting CHCH with City to Surf

On 25 March the Buddha Light International Association (BLIA) south island president, See Shen Lee, leaded thedirector, Mei Hua Chen, BLIA West one president, Susan Wu and BLIA Youth Adult Division (YAD) members. Together 15 people participated the annual walking and running “City to Surf” event. On the day the weather was warm and sunny and there were nearly 20 thousand participants. By the number of participants appeared in this event showed that Christchurch citizens were desperate for a vigorous and healthy lifestyle.

Christchurch’s “City to Surf” is a walking and running event that is suited for everyone in all age. This event has been running for 38 years. Due to the impact of last year’s earthquake on 22 February this event had to stop for one year. Aiming to let its citizens to light up and show energy, Christchurch again brought this event back this year with a new planned route of 14 kilometers from Pioneer Park to Ferrymead Park.

Some participants wore special costumes and became the attention in the event, some had disable person have no problem to finish the event, despite the length of 14 kilometers journey. Their determination were praised and respected by everyone on the day.

BLIA South Island New Zealand Participants finished the 14 kilometer journey with an average time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. BLIA YAD members Chris and Kailey, both aged 12, said “It was their first time participating in such an event.” They were very delightful for finishing the 14 Kilometer walk. BLIA president, See Shen Lee stated that she was surprised and grateful that she still could finish the 14 kilometer walk despite the fact that she stopped participating in such an event for 3 years. She was joyous for leading all the BLIA participants this year for such a meaningful event. And also all the participants from Fo Guang Shan were delightful for finishing the event.